CONTROL OPPOSED

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1928, Page 3

CONTROL OPPOSED

MARKETING OF TIMBER

(Dominion)

A marked spirit of opposition to the introduction of further leg station introducing control of any com mod tv was shown at the conference ,of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, when, at the close of an address bv Mr W. J. Butler, it was decided that the principle of control of mar. eting would be vigorously Opposed when the Sawmillers Bill came before the House. 1

Mr Butler addressed the conference on the development of the sawmilling il’idustr'y and the evolution of the machinery used in it. He referred to the snecial committee which had been visiting the sawmilling centres recently, and the Bill which it was proposed to bring before the next session of Parliament- to bring about the greater efficiency of the industry in the system •of marketing. The o’ iect was to t*™ Quit timbe- was supplied in suit/L e qualities, quantities, and weights. He stressed the fact that there was need of greater efficiency in the marketing of timber, as well as in the milling. Tie further suggested that effieienev boards were necessnrv.as applicable to -'ther industries, and these m ght fedmate into a National Efficiency Board. Air C. P. Agar (Christchurch): AVe like Air Butler very much, but we don’t like bis Bi 1. It looks like a step towards compulsion. The principles enunciated in the Bill must receive the active opposition of the conference and chambers of commerce throughout the Dominion. The poli y : s undesmab] V and of no benefit to these adopting it except as a temporary relief. It will be vigorously opposed when the Bill conies before Parliament. Air But’er: The fear of compulsion *s the fear of the weakling. H w would our State carry on if it relied upon voluntary contributions instead •"if compulsory taxation, and where anything is going to be set up which |,s going to be beneficial to the whole of those engaged in the industry, why should they not be compelled to contribute?

Air Agar: You have compulsory marketing. Mr Butler: Tt proposes to investigate the methods of marketing. You surely won’t pass a motion that this conference is opposed to efficiency ? Mr Agar said the wording in the preamble of the Bid meant compulsion in marketing, one of the principles the chambers of commerce had been fighting for many years. Air Butler was thanked for his address, but .was given little promise of support for the Bill.